TAMPA, FLA. — A person familiar with the negotiations says former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith has reached an agreement to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Speaking to The Associated Press on Wednesday night on the condition of anonymity because an official announcement hasn’t been made, the person also says former Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier will be the Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator.The 55-year-old Smith will replace Greg Schiano, fired Monday after going 4-12 this season and 11-21 in two years with the team. Frazier also was fired Monday.Smith was 81-63 in nine seasons with Chicago, leading the 2006 team to the Super Bowl — where the Bears lost Indianapolis. He was fired a year ago after the Bears finished 10-6 and missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons.Smith was Tampa Bay’s linebackers coach under Tony Dungy from 1996-2000, then spent three seasons as the St. Louis Rams’ defensive coordinator on Mike Martz’s staff.
But its thursday night now, so we still aren't sure.
Conflicting reports surfaced Wednesday night about whether Leslie Frazier, fired Monday as Vikings coach, will be named Tampa Bay defensive coordinator under new coach Lovie Smith.CBSSports.com and the Associated Press first reported that Frazier is expected to be named to the position. But ESPN.com later reported that Rod Marinelli is expected to be hired for the position rather than Frazier.A source told the Pioneer Press that some things still would have to fall into place for Frazier to be hired as defensive coordinator under Smith, who was reported to be the Buccaneers' new head coach by several news outlets late Wednesday.Frazier had told the Pioneer Press on Tuesday he might know his future plans soon."I should learn something in the next few days and have an idea of where things are heading,'' he said.Frazier was defensive coordinator for Cincinnati from 2003-04 and with Minnesota from 2007 until being elevated to head coach midway through the 2010 season.Frazier went 21-32-1 in 3-1/2 seasons with the Vikings.The 55-year-old Smith will replace Greg Schiano, fired Monday after going 4-12 this season and 11-21 in two years with the team.Smith was 81-63 in nine seasons with Chicago, leading the 2006 team to the Super Bowl, which the Bears lost to Indianapolis. He was fired a year ago after the Bears finished 10-6 and missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons.If Frazier is named the Buccaneers' defensive coordinator, he would have an opportunity to gain some revenge next season, since the Vikings play at Tampa Bay.The Associated Press contributed to this report.
